Navy Federal has an eye-popping CD deal

The world’s largest credit union has a nice gift for savers: a high-yield, short-term CD special.

Navy Federal Credit Union’s 15-month share certificate pays 2.25 percent APY. This rate is around 50 basis points higher than the top 1-year CD rates (a basis point is one-hundredth of a percentage point). And it’s on par with some of the best 4-year CD rates.

Nearly anyone with money in the bank can qualify. The minimum deposit is just $50. That’s what makes this CD ideal for new investors and folks who can’t afford to lock up thousands of dollars for months at a time.

High rollers, however, might be disappointed. The most you can deposit in Navy Federal’s 15-month share certificate is $50,000.

Why you’ll want Navy Federal’s 15-month CD

Navy Federal’s 15-month CD has more to offer than its impressive interest rate. It also functions like a savings account.

For most CDs, you’re expected to make one upfront deposit and leave the funds in your account until it comes due.

With Navy Federal’s 15-month CD, you can deposit money into the account at any time. You could make one deposit now and a second one whenever you receive your end-of-year bonus (or when you have extra cash lying around).

But like most CDs, you’ll pay a penalty if you make an early withdrawal. With the 15-month CD, cashing out early will cost you 180 days’ dividends on the amount withdrawn or all
dividends on the amount withdrawn, whichever is less.

How to join

Becoming a Navy Federal member is easy. You’ll qualify if you are:

An active duty member associated with the armed forces, the Coast Guard, the National Guard or the Department of Defense.

An honorably discharged veteran.

An immediate family member of a current Navy Federal member or someone who’s eligible for membership (dead or alive).

To join, you’ll need to share the following information:

Your Social Security number.

Your current or previous home address.

Your email.

Your driver’s license or government ID.

Your sponsor’s affiliation (e.g., Army, Air Force), last name and access number (or date of birth and Social Security number) if you’re joining through a family member.

You can apply for membership online, over the phone or in a branch. New members must open a savings account and deposit at least $5.

How to buy Navy Federal Credit Union CDs

New and existing members can open share certificates online or in a branch.

If you’re buying a 15-month CD, you can make your first and ongoing deposits by transferring money from an external account electronically, initiating a wire transfer or mailing a check.

About Navy Federal Credit Union

Navy Federal Credit Union is based in Vienna, Virginia. It was founded in 1933 and today serves more than 7.3 million members. In July 2017, it opened its 300th branch.

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